New York ethics board asks for all records, notes of former commissioner

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A maverick former member of the state’s government ethics board who quit in protest last month said Monday that the panel is seeking all his records and notes amid an investigation into press leaks.

Batra, an attorney, has denied releasing any confidential information to reporters. “I am perplexed by this illegal request,” Batra said in a response to the Joint Commission on Public Ethics. “You don’t cite any legal authority for this request, as there is none.”

He said he could not “assist in any desire to cover-up all that has gone wrong and prevent the public’s right to know.”

The Oct. 2 letter from JCOPE requested that Batra turn over any documents and materials or copies he had relating to the commission. The letter notes the materials that Batra received while a commissioner remain subject to a confidentiality law.

Batra said that appears to include his notes. Violation of the law by a commissioner could result in a misdemeanor charge.

JCOPE spokesman John Milgrim said the request for documents is routine when someone leaves.

In September, several JCOPE members complained of leaks to reporters about JCOPE deliberations, most of which are done behind closed doors. The commissioners complained some information was leaked regarding JCOPE’s discussions about a sexual harassment scandal in the Assembly, making the commissioners look compromised by the politicians who appointed them.

Under the law that created JCOPE, claims of press leaks from commissioners or staff are automatically referred to the inspector general. The office of the inspector general wouldn’t confirm a probe.

Media outlets had reported that the commission discussed whether an investigation would include the $103,000 private settlement approved by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Manhattan Democrat, to settle sexual harassment claims against Assemblyman Vito Lopez, a Brooklyn Democrat who denies the allegations against him. Other press reports said the commission issued subpoenas.

Batra resigned Sept. 7. He warned JCOPE lacked political independence from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who appointed JCOPE’s chairwoman and some members who then picked an executive director who worked for Cuomo, a Democrat. The governor also appoints the state inspector general.

JCOPE has been criticized in its first 10 months for its secrecy and for hiring a staff dominated by former Cuomo appointees.